HKIOD.
CONFIDENTIAL
1ST DRAFT
Forces in the United Kingdom
13. The primary role of important elements of the Army's home
based forces is in support of NATO as part of 7 SACEUR's strategic reserve. During the last year these [United Kingdom elements have
totalled 36,000 and have included:
(a) The United Kingdom Mobile Force (UKMF), a joint air/
ground force comprising a number of air-portable combat
units with supporting troops and a Logistic Support Force.
In a period of tension, UKMF will be reinforced by the TAVR
and reservists.
(b)
The land elements of the United Kingdom Joint Airborne
Task Force (UKJATFOR).
(c) 22 Special Air Service Regiment (22 SAS), three of
whose four squadrons are earmarked for assignment to SACEUR.
(a) Allied Command Europe Mobile Force, the land component
of SACEUR's immediate reaction force. The British contribution
is some 1,500 men.
OTHER ARMY COMBAT FORCES
14. This category comprises land forces stationed abroad to meet
Commonwealth and international commitments as follows:
1. D
HED
A.
The Far East. In support of the Five Power Defence
Arrangements Britain's land forces contribution currently
comprises a small brigade group headquarters, infantry
battalion group and appropriate logistic elements.
will be withdrawn by
They
The Hong Kong garrison
which currently consists of five infantry battalions
(including three Gurkha battalions) an artillery regiment.
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CONFIDENT IAL